According to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI), New York State consumer home buying plans were down 0.6 points to 5.1 percent in October. Overall, New York State consumer confidence fell 6.6 points.

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New legislation now requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years. Homeowners will not have to register in order to receive their 2013 STAR exemptions and will not have to re-register every year. Based on the information provided in the registration process, the Tax Department will monitor homeowners’ eligibility in future years. Registration began on August 19, 2013 and will continue through December 31, 2013. Click here to register.

Last Tuesday was Election Day and there were several close and surprising races across New York. For an overview of winners, click here. For more election day results, contact your County Board of Elections.

New York voters approved five of six propositions on the statewide ballot. The only proposition rejected by voters was a referendum to raise the age limit for judges serving on the state’s Court of Appeals from 70 to 80 years old.

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Last week, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced his intent to introduce legislation that would increase the tax benefit received by New York’s active military men and women and their families. Titled the "Tax Relief for Active Military Service Act," the bill would allow state residents who serve on active duty, or their spouses, to apply for a tax exemption on 10 percent of the assessed value of their homes.

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Today’s NYSAR Radio show will cover agency issues, specifically dual and designated agents. Tune in at 10 a.m. this morning on your PC or Mac by using the player on the NYSAR Radio page. You will need to be logged in to listen. If you have not yet created your account with the website, you will need to click on "New User" on the Member Login page and follow the prompts.

Click here for more information as well as a list of links to play NYSAR Radio from any of your mobile devices.

ADK Works is a coalition of concerned Adirondack residents, business owners and community organizations who rallied together to advocate for solutions that lead to a speedy economic recovery and advance a simple but important concept: "The park works when people do." NYSAR encourages all our REALTOR members to get involved and voice your support for the ADK Works campaign by visiting the website www.adkworks.com and signing the petition in support of this campaign.

Click here to learn more.

With the new advertising regulations going into effect January 2, 2014, now is the time to make sure you’re clear about what’s required of you. Don’t miss this two-part webinar series presented by NYSAR Director of Legal Services Anthony Gatto, Esq. The first webinar will discuss the basics of advertising and what every type of advertisement will be required to contain on January 2, 2014. The second webinar will build on the information covered in part one and apply it to new items found in the new regulations, such as electronic communications, websites/social media, the use of logos and teams, etc. 

To register for part one on Thursday, November 14, click here. To register for part two on Wednesday, November 20, click here.

REALTOR Institute 401 – "Get it Listed...Get it Sold"– will be offered on November 18 and 22 at REALTOR Service Center in Jackson Heights, NY. This course teaches you new methods of marketing and how to integrate technology into your business to increase your listings, sales and profits. 

Click here for more information or to register.

Take advantage of NYSAR’s newest Member Perks partner, Taxbot, to keep more of your commissions through tax deductions! The Taxbot mobile app offers you the ability to track business mileage and expenses with your iPhone or Android smartphone or tablet and turn those expenses into IRS compliant tax deductions.

Click here to learn more.

Energy Plus® is leaving its mark on the energy industry through its special cash back rewards program. Enroll your home with Energy Plus® and receive 3 percent cash back and a $25 enrollment bonus after two months of active service, and 5 percent cash back and a $50 bonus for a business account. Enrolling with Energy Plus® is easy and there are no monthly service fees, cancellation fees, or long-term commitments. Stop missing out on what you deserve and start earning cash back rewards. Click here to enroll today.

New York’s 2014 RPAC fundraising goal is $696,900. Once again, RPAC of New York will feature two RPAC participation goals: Participation Goal 1 reflects a 10-percent increase year-to-year; Participation Goal 2 reflects a flat 65-percent total participation rate among board membership. Local boards will be recognized as achieving their 2014 participation goal if they reach either of those Participation Goals.

The fundraising goals are based upon NAR’s formula of $15 per member based on the October 31 membership count. The board-by-board 2014 RPAC fundraising and participation goals can be viewed here.

When in Atlantic City...do as the high rollers do and enjoy all of the city’s pleasures in one location: the RPAC High Rollers' Suite on Wednesday, December 11, 2013! Amenities include: shoe shine; manicures; massages; professional photographs; blackjack and roulette lessons by one of Atlantic City’s renowned card dealers; business facilities; hot lunch; beverages; and a deluxe coffee barista. New this year, we are also offering a "barista pass" to take advantage of just the coffee barista for a $15 RPAC investment. 

Click here to learn more.